Comedian Omid Djalili's visit to the University of Suffolk to discuss comedy shifted into a different gear as he ended up joining its health and fitness challenge.

The Suffolk resident joined staff and students for the BRIT (British Inspiration Trust) Challenge on Tuesday and to discuss a regular comedy night in Ipswich.

The eight-week initiative seeks to support young adult mental health and fitness by inviting people to notch up miles on exercise bikes and take part in the public community wellness walk. 

Mr Djalili was pictured cycling in the university's downstairs foyer by vice chancellor Professor Helen Langton.

On Twitter, the comedian said: "Great to meet the woman they call "The Prof at the University of Suffolk to discuss a regular comedy night here in Ipswich.

"A formidable no nonsense Chancellor who took one look at me and said I needed an hour on a bike."

Professor Langton said: "I was thrilled that Mr Djalili popped in to take part in our challenge."

Ipswich Mayor, Councillor John Cook was also at the launch on Monday, January 23, where he was challenged to a table tennis match by Professor Langton.

A mile-long public community wellness walk will take place every Thursday for the duration of the eight-week challenge from January 26 at 11am.

This will take place from the Cult Bar on the Waterfront to the Dance East building and back.

People are invited to turn up and enjoy the walk - with no booking required - and dogs are welcome too.

The Waterfront reception area will also be open for the duration of the challenge to display information from mental health charity Suffolk MIND and a "Wall" where people are encouraged to leave motivational messages about how physical fitness helps their mental health, in the hope of inspiring others.

Sam Last, student life adviser at the University of Suffolk who has organised the university’s involvement in this year’s challenge said: “The British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) is an amazing organisation that look at supporting and improving young adult mental health and fitness through their yearly BRIT Challenge.

“After the university was successful in completing the 2022-mile challenge last year we’re hoping for another success in 2023 focusing on the importance of physical health on good mental health.”